apple’s iPhone16 The lineup is here, but you may be wondering whether to go for the $800 baseline model or pay more. iPhone16 prostarting at $1,000.
For the first time in years, Apple’s regular iPhone has received a major upgrade. iPhone 16 has two new hardware buttons: the action button and camera control keys), larger battery, new ultra-wide camera, and new A18 chip. It will also eventually include Apple Intelligence.
But the iPhone 16 Pro also has some impressive additions. All three cameras on the back are new or new to this phone. The Pro also has unique features like a larger screen with narrower borders, a new processor (Apple’s A18 Pro chip), and 4K 120fps slow-motion video recording. Like the regular iPhone 16, the Pro has new camera control buttons and a larger battery.
Choosing between the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro can be difficult. However, to help you make that decision, here’s a breakdown of each device’s key specs and features.
See more: Best cases for iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
price and storage
The iPhone 16 is priced at $800 for 128GB of storage, $900 for 256GB, and $1,100 for 512GB. iPhone 16 Pro prices start at $1,000 for 128GB, $1,100 for 256GB, $1,300 for 512GB, and $1,500 for 1TB.
Comparison of iPhone 16 specs and iPhone 16 Pro
| Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 16 Pro | |
| Display size, technology, resolution, and refresh rate | 6.1 inch OLED display. 2,556 x 1,179 pixels. 60Hz refresh rate. 2,000 nits | 6.3 inch OLED display. 2,622 x 1,206 pixels. 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. 2,000 nits |
| pixel density | 460ppi | 460ppi |
| Dimensions (inch) | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inch | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches |
| Dimensions (mm) | 147.6×71.6×7.8mm | 149.6×71.5×8.25mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 170g, 6oz | 199 g, 7.03 oz |
| mobile software | iOS18 | iOS18 |
| camera | 48 megapixels (wide), 12 megapixels (ultrawide) | 48 million pixels (wide), 48 million pixels (ultra wide angle), 12 million pixels (5x telephoto) |
| front camera | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
| video capture | 4K 60fps; 1080p, 30fps spatial video | 4K up to 120fps. 1080p, 30fps spatial video |
| processor | A18 | A18 pro |
| RAM/Storage | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| expandable storage | no | no |
| battery | Up to 22 hours of video playback. Up to 18 hours of video playback (streaming). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Qi2 max 15W | Up to 27 hours of video playback. Up to 22 hours of video playback (streaming). MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher. Qi2 max 15W |
| fingerprint sensor | None (face recognition) | None (face recognition) |
| connector | USB-C | USB-C |
| headphone jack | no | no |
| special features | Apple Intelligence, Action Button, Camera Control Button, Dynamic Island, 1-2000 nits Display Brightness Range, IP68 Resistant, Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine | Apple intelligence, action button, camera control button, dynamic island, 1-2000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance, colors: Black Titanium, White Titanium, Natural Titanium, Desert Titanium |
| US prices start at | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB) |
| UK prices start from | £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB), £1,099 (512GB) | £999 (128GB), £1,099 (256GB), £1,299 (512GB), £1,499 (1TB) |
| Australian prices start from | AU$1,399 (128GB), AU$1,599 (256GB), AU$1,949 (512GB) | AU$1,799 (128GB), AU$1,999 (256GB), AU$2,349 (512GB), AU$2,699 (1TB) |
Camera: Pro’s big selling point
iPhone 16 Pro has three rear lenses: wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, and 5x telephoto.
The main attraction of Apple’s iPhone Pro models is their premium camera for both photos and videos.
As for the rear cameras, the baseline iPhone 16 has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, while the 16 Pro has a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera with a larger and faster image sensor. It is equipped with a camera. 48-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and 12-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom. Both phones feature the same 12-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera.
When it comes to video, the iPhone 16 can shoot 1080p spatial video at 30 frames per second, plus 4K at 60 frames per second. The 16 Pro has the same spatial video capacity, but can also shoot 4K at up to 120 frames per second, bringing slow-motion effects to your iPhone.
See more: Apple iPhone 16 Pro review: A compelling upgrade with some of our favorite iPhone features in years
If you want to get more out of your camera (or zoom in on a concert without sacrificing quality), the Pro’s premium features may appeal to you.
Display, size, weight
The iPhone 16 has a 6.1-inch OLED display, while the 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch OLED display. The 16 has a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Pro has a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations, scrolling, and games. Both have a pixel density of 460 ppi and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.
iPhone 16 family (from left to right): iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max.
iPhone 16 measures 5.81 inches high, 2.82 inches wide, and 0.31 inches thick. The dimensions of the 16 Pro aren’t too far off: 5.89 inches tall, 2.81 inches wide, and 0.32 inches thick. The Baseline 16 weighs 170g (6 oz), while the Pro weighs 199g (7.03 oz). The materials are also different: the iPhone 16 has an aluminum casing, while the 16 Pro is made of titanium alloy.
Both include dynamic islands, as well as action and camera control buttons.
iPhone 16 comes in black, white, pink, teal, and ultramarine, and iPhone 16 Pro comes in black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium. Each has an IP68 rating for water resistance.
Both support USB-C charging. Neither has a fingerprint sensor, so you’ll need to use Face ID or a passcode.
Apple’s iPhone 16, 16 Plus show off bold colors and buttons
See all photos
battery, processor, software
Apple hasn’t disclosed battery capacity, but says the iPhone 16 can provide up to 22 hours of video playback (18 hours of streaming) and the 16 Pro can provide up to 27 hours of video playback (22 hours of streaming). Both feature wired charging (Apple hasn’t disclosed speeds) and MagSafe wireless charging of up to 25 watts with a 30 watt or higher adapter. It also supports Qi2 charging up to 15 watts.
The 16 has an A18 chip, while the 16 Pro has the more powerful (and aptly named) A18 Pro chip. Each of these ships with iOS 18 and will support Apple Intelligence when they arrive later this year.
iPhone 16 vs. 16 Pro: Which should you buy?
This is an iPhone 16 Pro running a preview version of Apple Intelligence. This brings many improvements to Siri, including new glowing borders.
For most people, the iPhone 16 has more than enough features. Its camera is perfect for photos and videos. The phone runs iOS 18 and boasts notable updates like a customizable home screen and apps, new emoji tapbacks for iMessage, and support for satellite texting. Also available in a variety of bright saturated colors. The iPhone 16’s biggest drawback is its screen, but it still has a 60Hz refresh rate and looks OK when compared to professional iPhones. If you have an iPhone 13 or earlier, the iPhone 16 is a great upgrade.
But if you’re looking for an even better camera with the ability to zoom in closer to your subject, or just want a better viewing experience, the iPhone 16 Pro is worth a look. This phone is packed with plenty of features, and while it comes at a higher price point, it offers plenty of artistic options for creative types interested in photography or filmmaking. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or earlier, it makes sense to upgrade to iPhone 16 Pro. If you’re using an iPhone 13 Pro and your battery is running low, the 16 Pro is also worth considering. However, if you have an iPhone 14 Pro or 15 Pro, you don’t need to upgrade.
Look at this: Review: Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro is an impressive upgrade
